July 26, 2025

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Annual Police Department awards
A: Main, news
January 22, 2025
Annual Police Department awards

DAVID BRYNING POLICE CHIEF

As the Chief of Police for the City of Eufaula, I could not be more proud of our Officers, as they continue to play an intricate role in safeguarding our community, ensuring justice, and maintaining public safety.

These men and women put their lives on the line each day, demonstrating exceptional courage, resilience, and commitment to upholding the law with the ongoing desire to protect and serve.

The physical and emotional toll of being a police officer is immense. Officers endure long hours, often working nights, weekends, and holidays, leaving little time for personal rest and relaxation.

Our Officers must remain alert and prepared for any situation, all while navigating the emotional weight of the job. Witnessing traumatic events, dealing with victims of violence, and facing potential danger on a daily basis can be mentally and physically exhausting. ln addition to their dedication, police officers must continuously train and adapt to the evolving needs of society. The world is constantly changing, and so are the tools and techniques law enforcement officers use to keep up with emerging threats, technology, and legal standards.

Despite these challenges, they continue to show up with resilience, professionalism and an unwavering desire to keep our community safe.

These three officers exemplify the most outstanding in an outstanding police department for the past year.

OFFICER OF THE YEAR: Officer Jonathan Laughlin

Officer Laughlin is an exemplary individual who has gone above and beyond the call of duty, demonstrating skill, dedication, and courage in his service to the community.

This officer consistently exhibits a strong commitment to upholding the law, maintaining peace, and protecting citizens. Officer Laughlin is known for his strong unwavering work ethic and fairness in every situation, earning the trust and respect of his colleagues and the public alike.

Beyond his daily duties, Officer Laughlin also serves the community as the Fire Chief for the Vivian community, which often assists the City of Eufaula.

Officer Laughlin’s commitment set him apart as he continues to serve our community.

MOST IMPROVED OFFICER: Officer Billy Gentry

Officer Billy Gentry came to the Eufaula Police Department in May, 2024. Since then he has made a positive change for the City of Eufaula, demonstrating remarkable growth and dedication to his new community.

Officer Gentry possesses a high level of professional and a strong work ethic, he has consistently improved his local knowledge, education, and direct issues facing the Eufaula community.

His professional approach to the public and residents has shown he truly desires to make the City of Eufaula a unified community, earning him the title of Most lmproved Officer.

OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE: Lieutenant Tyler Lewis Lt. Lewis exemplifies and embodies the highest standards in professionalism and dedication to our department and community. Lt. Lewis goes beyond merely enforcing laws and responding to crimes; he constantly takes proactive measures to ensure safety, fairness, and justice for all citizens with a deep commitment to public safety.

Excellence in law enforcement requires leaders who inspire by example. These leaders mentor, guide, and empower their officers, creating an environment of mutual respect and accountability.

Lt. Lewis continues to lead, inspire and dedicate himself to this Department and community. He plays a crucial role in assisting this administration in training and management and accepts all tasks to better this Department for our community.

2024 DEPARTMENT ACHIEVEMENTS • Fully operational drone system with infrared search and rescue incidents.

• Fully operational rescue boat with fire suppression capabilities.

• Successful K9 team trained for narcotics and detection. K9 Kilo had 84 deployments with positive alerts, which resulted in 82 seizures and arrests of illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia.

Equipment acquired by grant writing includes all new body cameras, spike strips, portable breath analyzers and a new LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging system).

“Thank you to all the community members for your support as we continue to serve and protect our community and visitors to our wonderful city,” Bryning said.

Marijuana operation raided in county
A: Main, news
Marijuana operation raided in county
July 23, 2025
Thousands of marijuana plants and 1,183 pounds of processed marijuana were confiscated Monday during a raid conducted by an Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics’ Marijuana Enforcement Team three miles south o...
Cat Daddy brings rhythm, soul, and compassion to York Manor
A: Main, news
Cat Daddy brings rhythm, soul, and compassion to York Manor
By MICHAEL BARNES 
July 23, 2025
Recently, Craig Morgan — better known as Cat Daddy — walked into York Manor Nursing Home in Muskogee not like a guest, but like someone coming home. Guitar slung over his shoulder, smile wide, and hea...
Ava Rose’s star continues to rise and shine
A: Main, news
Ava Rose’s star continues to rise and shine
By JOHN BLOCK 
July 23, 2025
Cherokee and Osage native Ava Rose Johnson, a former student at Eufaula Public Schools, has been invited to join the Recording Academy/ GRAMMYs 2025 New Member Class. Only an approximate 3,600 creator...
A: Main, news
Rescue boat launch date
July 23, 2025
On July 24 at 6:30 p.m., the City of Eufaula will officially launch into service their new fire suppression and rescue boat, Police Chief David Bryning announced. “It has been a long journey and many ...
A: Main, news
Eager to solve beaver problem
July 23, 2025
District 3 Commissioner Bobby Ziegler assured Shauna Belyeu at Monday’s meeting that complaints she aired were being addressed. “It’s the beavers,” he said. Belyeu, representing some 300 homeowners in...
Thomas is Queen
A: Main, news
Thomas is Queen
July 23, 2025
Kyznie Thomas, 18, of Checotah, has been chosen Queen of the 2025 Eufaula Chamber of Commerce Rodeo. “I have ridden horses all my life,” she said. “Training and riding barrel and rope horses – I was b...
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Whitefield girl named Princess
A: Main, news
Whitefield girl named Princess
July 23, 2025
Six-year-old Lakyn Spur Stancell, daughter of Cole and Paige Stancell of Whitefield, has been named Princess of the 41st annual Whole Hawg Days Rodeo. Lakyn graduated from Whitefield Public Schools an...
A: Main, news
Yard Sale July 26
July 23, 2025
Under One Roof, 107 McKinley, will hold a yard sale on Saturday, July 26 starting at 7 a.m.
A: Main, news
Whole Hawg Days has something for everyone
July 23, 2025
The 41st Annual Whole Hawg Arts & Crafts Festival kicks off Thursday, July 24, with the first Whole Hawg Rodeo hosted by the Eufaula Chamber of Commerce. Friday and Saturday will be filled with activi...
news
Eufaula man pleads guilty to murder
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
July 23, 2025
MUSKOGEE –William Clayton Brown, 42, of Eufaula, entered a guilty plea last week to a one-count Felony Information of Murder in Indian Country—Second Degree, punishable by up to life in prison and a $...
Anthem singers named
news
Anthem singers named
July 23, 2025
The Eufaula Area Chamber of Commerce held an audition last week for singers to perform the National Anthem at the Chamber Rodeo, to be held July 24, 25 and 26. The rodeo starts at 8 p.m. “A huge thank...
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